Christmas Eve is even better than Christmas Day. Anticipation and magic are thick in the air. It’s more reverent, more holy.
This year we had my family that was in town over for our traditional ( 3 years running that makes it a tradition right?) crab feast. Besides being delicious, crab takes a long time to eat, perfect for savoring the night and chatting.
After dinner the kids could not wait one more second and opened up their Christmas jammies. Then it was time for the program.As always, we re-enacted the Nativity. My Mom narrates out of an old joy school book that she used to teach us growing up. I have to say we did better with reverence this time.
We branched out of traditional roles this year. Josh pointed out that the angel should be a boy since, “at least half of them had to have been boys and girls always play them.” Max stepped up to the challenge. While Anna decided to be a wise woman. We also did our traditional talent show. When my sister and I were 10ish we got super elaborate, we each played 3-5 songs, printed out programs, the works. Now I’m grateful my kids can take over the talent portion, maybe someday they will decide a program is necessary but for now we call out, “Who wants to go next?” Anna in keeping with her character played We Three Kings on the Piano, Josh played several songs on the violin including a duet with me, I helped Max sing a song and Uncle Adam stood on his head and sang Jingle Bells. He doesn’t have any kids to step in for him yet. Last we opened sibling presents. Justin and I want our kids to understand Christmas and enjoy giving as much as receiving. Which can be a tricky thing to teach. This year though, each and every one of them was so excited to GIVE to their siblings.
Anna spent her own money on a pack of gum for Max and a huge Reeses for Josh. They were very excited. Josh saved up his money and way back in November he bought Anna the pink dolphin Beanie Boo she’s been coveting and gave Max his very own Rubix Cube. Max made these gems for each person in the family and wrapped them himself.
Then we drugged Josh (with melatonin) and sent them to bed. Justin also put a bunch of long division problems on the white board for Josh in case he woke up before 6am. That boy gets so excited he can’t sleep all night long. He woke up and did all the math problems at 1am. It is still unclear whether or not he slept much after that.
They cuddled up together in Josh’s room while I read them The Story of the Other Wiseman. When I snuck out to see if Santa needed help all but Josh were deep asleep.